BMW M850 XDrive Not Able To Select Gears

This client was not able to select or change gears in their BMW M850 XDrive. This resulted in having to get the vehicle towed in to GP Motor Works.

We set up our diagnostic machine and traced the fault to the gear selector switch. We opened up the centre console and removed the selector switch and discovered the whole component was covered in Coke. Unfortunately, the liquid had had dried to a sticky mess.

A new gear selector switch was ordered and installed. The BMW M850 specific code was then programmed into switch.

We were not able to test drive the vehicle because we could not inflate the tyres. Once the vehicle was up on the lift we inspected the rims and noticed three of them were badly cracked. A clear case of hitting potholes at speed. This explained why the tyres were not sealing on the rims. The rims were repaired and the test drive was successful.

Tips On Handling Drinks Near The Centre Console

Liquid near the centre console is an accident waiting to happen. This is similar to dropping your cellphone into water. No-one sets out to do either but it happens. A quick Google search shows just how often drivers and front seat passengers spill drinks on the central console.

Here are some tips which may help in stopping a very expensive mistake.

• Try and use cups which are spill-proof
• If your cup holders are near the centre console don’t accelerate or brake hard when the cups are full. These actions will most certainly cause the liquid to fly out of the cup
• Mop up the liquid as fast as you can to prevent it seeping down into the electronics under the cover
• Don’t allow any excessively sticky drinks such as sodas, milk shakes or your favourite alcoholic beverage anywhere near the central console

If you do accidentally spill anything on the central console get hold of us to prevent any major damage.